[SCD-FORUM] 53E RE: Some questions about Brugada Syndrome. Dr. Perez Riera to Dr. Kam

SCD Symposium info at scd-symposium.org
Wed Oct 18 10:24:17 ART 2006


Dear Dr Ruth Kam from Singapore. Here Andrés Ricardo Pérez Riera from  
Sao Paulo Brazil.

During phase 1 of AP, although brief, it is possible to observe  
several categories of important ion channels for its profile  
determination: Ito1, Ito2, IKATP, ICl.swell and Na+ outward movement  
through the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger operating in reverse mode (Na+/Ca2+).

The Ito1 channel, ItoA, transient outward current sensitive to 4- 
aminopyridine (4-AP), calcium-independent transient outward current,  
initial repolarization, Ca2+ independent,  voltage-operated channel,  
voltage-dependent Ca2+ independent transient outward current, Itof or  
Io-fast . It is a  of voltage and time dependent, besides determining  
the initial phase configuration of repolarization of the AP profile,  
it is fundamental in its duration (APD) and in determining the  
repolarization heterogeneity in the ventricular myocardium thickness.

Some evidence point that the cloned subunit Kv4.3 is similar to the  
human Ito1.

The Ito current density depends on a number of factors: age group  
(absent in newborn babies), sex, heart rate (more noticeable in  
bradycardia), cell type studied, localization in ventricular wall  
thickness, topography of myocardium and pathologic circumstances with  
or without organic substrate.

In BrS, an entity without apparently  structural heart disease, with  
the fast Na+ current as genetic determinant of the channelopathy, the  
initial outward K+ Ito1 current and the slow inward Ca2+ current in  
phase 2 are essential regarding J point and ST segment level in  
surface ECG, and consequently, in triggering reentry in phase 2(RF2),  
and triggering bursts of PVT/IVF.

Several drugs, such as quinidine, disopyramide, flecainide, ajmaline,  
procainamide, pilsicainide, etc., by modifying the functional state  
of the Ito1 current, alter J point and ST segment level in right  
precordial leads or from V1 to V3 in BrS.

Rarely (8% of cases), the early repolarization syndrome (ERS) may be  
confused with BrS, for presenting a Brugada-like electrocardiographic  
pattern. There are clinical-electrocardiographic elements that help  
in making this important differentiation.
Phase 1 of  AP, of initial, early or fast repolarization, coincides  
with J point in surface ECG (end of QRS complex and beginning of ST  
segment), being essentially dependent on fast inward Na+ current  
closure and transient opening of outward K+ currents.

During the short phase 1, several channels get started:



1)       Ito1, ItoA, transient outward current sensitive to 4- 
aminopyridine (4-AP), calcium-independent transient outward current,  
voltage-operated channel, voltage-dependent Ca2+ independent  
transient outward current, Itof or Ito-fast since it has fast  
activation and inactivation kinetics. Inactivation is also time- 
dependent. The Kv4.3 current has been identified as the major and  
main cloned subunit similar to the Ito1 current in humans(1);

2)       Ito2, Itob, Ca2+-activated current, ICl.Ca, Ca2+ activated  
chloride (Cl-) current, calcium-activated transient outward chloride  
current, current component of the transient outward current, 4- 
aminopyridine resistant transient outward current - carried by Cl-  
ions, slow activation current, Ito-s or Ito-slow, 4-AP-resistant  
component;


3)       Variant activated by the fall in intracellular supply of ATP  
when it reaches a certain critical level (IKATP); CLcAMP or time- 
independent chloride Cl- current regulated by the cAMP/adenylate  
cyclase pathway. Activation of the ATP-sensitive potassium current,  
IKATP, is sufficient to cause ST elevation during acute ischemia;


4)       Swelling-activated Cl- current (ICl(swell)): Characteristics  
and functions of the cardiac swelling-activated Cl current  are  
considered in physiologic and pathophysiologic settings. I(Cl,swell)  
is broadly distributed throughout the heart and is stimulated not  
only by osmotic and hydrostatic increases in cell volume, but also by  
agents that alter membrane tension and direct mechanical stretch. The  
current is outwardly rectifying, reverses between the plateau and  
resting potentials, and is time-independent over the physiologic  
voltage range. Consequently, I(Cl,swell) shortens APD, depolarizes,  
and acts to decrease cell volume. Because it is activated by stimuli  
that also activate cation stretch-activated channels, I(Cl,swell)  
should be considered as a potential effector of mechanoelectrical  
feedback. I(Cl,swell) is activated in ischemic and non-ischemic  
dilated cardiomyopathies and perhaps during ischemia and reperfusion.  
The current plays a role in arrhythmogenesis, myocardial injury,  
preconditioning, and apoptosis of myocytes. As a result, I(Cl,swell)  
potentially is a novel therapeutic target(2);

5)       The Na+ outward movement through the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger  
operating in reverse mode: The sarcolemmal Na+/Ca2+ exchanger is  
regulated by intracellular Ca2+ at a high affinity Ca2+ binding site  
separate from the Ca2+ transport site. The Ca2+  regulatory site is  
located on the large intracellular loop of the Na+/Ca2+ exchange  
protein.  Secondary Ca2+ regulation with the exchanger in the forward  
or Ca2+ efflux mode. The Ca2+ regulation modifies transport  
properties and does not only control the fraction of exchangers in an  
active state.



CHARACTERISTICS OF MODALITIES OF THE CHANNELS THAT AFFECT PHASE 1 OF AP



Ito1, IA, transient outward K+ current 1, 4-aminopyridine or 4-AP- 
sensitive current, the Ca2+ independent Ito1, activated during phase  
1, Itof or Ito-fast This channel activity occurs in phase 1 of AP in  
early or fast repolarization. Phase 1 coincides with the J point of  
surface ECG Ito1 channel is voltage-operated, and therefore, it is  
opened by changes in voltage in a range around the 0mV (from +30mV to  
-10mV). The Ito channel is activated or inactivated, depending on  
instantaneous voltage. Thus, the activation is processed in the band  
between - 30mV and +10mV. The inactivation process is time-dependent,  
too.



The Ito1 current is not found in newborn babies, and it only becomes  
manifest after three to five months in dogs, which explains the  
absence of notch in epicardial and M cells in newborn babies (age  
heterogeneity).

The predominance of the Brugada phenotype in males is a result of the  
presence of a more prominent Ito in males versus females(3-4).

Male predominance of the phenotype observed in SUDS does not apply to  
a large European family with a missense mutation, R367H, previously  
associated with SUDS suggesting that factors other than the specific  
mutation determine the gender distinction(5). According to  
Antzelevitch et al, the consequences of this unequal distribution of  
Ito1 channels in ventricular myocardial thickness are(6)

1) Alterations of the ST segment, variously referred to as J wave,  
junctional wave, late delta wave, Osborn wave, camel-hump sign, and  
hump-like deflection found characteristically in severe hypothermia.  
J wave is not pathognomonic of sever hypothermia and also it has also  
been described in other clinical entities not associated with  
hypothermia, such as acute brain injury (subarachnoid hemorrhage) 
(7);, accidental cocaine overdose(8),  cardiac arrest, dysfunction of  
cervical sympathetic system, hypercalcemia(9) and BrS.


2) Unequal sensitivity to drugs: acetylcholine, isoproterenol, Ca2+  
antagonists, Na+ channel blockers, K+ channel openers, amiodarone;



3) Greater dependence of AP duration in epicardial cells regarding  
heart rate. The epicardial AP when compared with that of endocardium  
shows a smaller phase 0 amplitude, a much more prominent phase 1, and  
a phase 2 amplitude that is greater than that of phase 0. Epicardial  
APs, unlike those of endocardium, display a "spike and dome"  
morphology that becomes progressively more accentuated at slower  
stimulation rates (10);

4) AP of epicardial cells more sensitive to K+: changes in T wave.  
Voltage gradients created by heterogeneities of the slow-delayed  
rectifier potassium current( IKs) inscribe the T wave and  T-wave  
polarity and width are strongly influenced by the degree of  
intercellular coupling through gap-junctions. Changes in K+ modulate  
the T wave through their effect on the rapid-delayed rectifier IKr.  
Alterations of IKs , IKr, I and I(Na) (fast sodium current) in long- 
QT syndrome (LQT1, LQT2, and LQT3, respectively) are reflected in  
characteristic QT-interval and T-wave changes; LQT1 prolongs QT  
without widening the T wave. Accelerated inactivation of I(Na) on the  
background of large epicardial I(to) results in ST elevation (Brugada  
phenotype) that reflects the degree of severity. Activation of the  
ATP-sensitive potassium current, I(K(ATP)), is sufficient to cause ST  
elevation during acute ischemia.;


5) Presence of supernormal phase just in the epicardium, and not in  
the endocardium;


6) In the "M" cells, the Ito1 channel is found only in the  
epicardium, and not in the ventricular endocardium.

A transmural voltage gradient during initial ventricular  
repolarization, which results from the presence of a prominent Ito  
mediated AP notch in the epicardium, but not endocardium, manifests  
as a J-wave on the ECG. The J-wave is associated with the ERS, BrS  
and others entities. ST-segment elevation, as seen in BrS and acute  
myocardial ischemia, cannot be fully explained by using the classic  
concept of an "injury current" that flows from injured to uninjured  
myocardium. Rather, ST-segment elevation may be largely secondary to  
a loss of the AP dome in the epicardium, but not endocardium.

The T-wave is a symbol of transmural dispersion of repolarization.

The R-on-T phenomenon (an extrasystole originating on the T-wave of a  
preceding ventricular beat) is probably due to transmural propagation  
of F2R early after depolarization that could potentially initiate PVT/ 
VF (11).



The Ito, inward rectifier IK, IKATP,  IK-Ach  and delayed rectifier  
potassium channels ( IKS, IKr and IKur) are blocked by quinidine.  
This drug of the IA class, with intermediate kinetics of uptake and  
release with the Na+ current (4 to 8 seconds), moderately reduces  
maximal velocity and it extends AP, and consequently, the effective  
refractory period by block of the multiple outward K+ currents in  
phases 1 to 3, increasing JTc and QTc intervals and fostering the  
appearance of EADs; and these in turn, foster the triggered activity  
that will lead to a higher tendency to TdP. It is very important  
understand that quinidine and disopyramide block the Ito1 current,  
but other members of the class don't, such as procainamide and  
ajmaline. This subtle difference is very significant in PVT/VF  
genesis in BrS. By its nonspecific potassium channel blocking action,  
quinidine may also reduce arrhythmia recurrence. Additionally, it  
could improve repolarization due to its vagolytic effect (M2  
muscarinic receptor block) and to the exacerbation of reflex  
sympathetic tone.

  Oral quinidine has a role in the treatment of electrical storm (ES)  
in BrS(12-13).

The Ito1 current is more visible, causing a greater notch, during  
slow cardiac rates, and it plays an important role in the early phase  
of AP and it influences on phase 2, plateau or dome, and  
consequently, in AP duration (APD).

Ito1 current density is very reduced and consequently, it extends AP  
in genetically-conditioned and salt-induced high blood pressure, in  
after-constriction hypertrophy of pulmonary artery, 21 days after  
acute infarction by remodeling and in heart failure (pathologic  
heterogeneity) (14).

The latter leads to a significant reduction of Ito1 density and a  
marked prolongation in APD. The mechanism of this reduction is  
unknown. The alpha subunit of the K+ current, a homologue of the  
Drosophila Shal family, is very probably an encoder of all or a part  
of the native Ito current (15).



II) Ito2, ItoB, Ca2+ activated channel, ICl.Ca, Ca2+ activated  
chloride (Cl-) current, Ca2+ channel activated chloride (Cl-)  
current, 4-aminopyridine-resistant transient outward current carried  
by Cl- ions, slow activation Ito-s or Ito-slow current. The evidence  
of the Ito2 current existence is partially founded on the  
pharmacological effect of several Cl- current blockers. The Ca2+- 
activated Cl(-) current [I(Cl(Ca2+] contributes to the repolarization  
of the cardiac AP under physiological conditions. I(Cl Ca2+) is known  
to be primarily activated by Ca2+ release from the sarcoplasmic  
reticulum (SR). L-type Ca2+ current represents the major trigger for  
Ca2+ release in the heart. Recent evidence, however, suggests that Ca2 
+ entry via reverse-mode Na+/Ca2+ exchange promoted by voltage and/or  
Na+ current may also play a role (16). The Ito2 channel could be  
activated by:

1)       Increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration, which in turn  
releases the sarcoplasmic reticulum cation(17);

2)       Acetylcholine that hyperpolarizes potential and shortens AP.  
The latter is found in the sinus node, AV node and atrial muscles;

3)       Arachidonic acid and its metabolites.

The Ito2 channel is blocked by disulphonic stilbenes derivatives  
(SITS-DIDS) (18);



III) Variant activated by fall in ATP supply when it reaches a given  
critical level (IK ATP), CLcAMP, or time-independent chloride Cl-  
current regulated by the cAMP/adenylate cyclase pathway. Activation  
of the ATP-sensitive potassium current, IKATP, is sufficient to cause  
ST elevation during acute ischemia;





IV) Swelling-activated Cl- current or ICl-swell. Characteristics and  
functions of the cardiac swelling-activated Cl current or ICl-swell  
are considered in physiologic and pathophysiologic settings. ICl- 
swell is broadly distributed throughout the heart and is stimulated  
not only by osmotic and hydrostatic increases in cell volume, but  
also by agents that alter membrane tension and direct mechanical  
stretch. The current is outwardly rectifying, reverses between the  
plateau and resting potentials and is time-independent over the  
physiologic voltage range. Consequently, I Cl-swell shortens APD,  
depolarizes, and acts to decrease cell volume. Because it is  
activated by stimuli that also activate cation stretch-activated  
channels, ICl-swell should be considered as a potential effector of  
mechanoelectrical feedback. ICl-swell is activated in ischemic and  
non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathies and perhaps during ischemia and  
reperfusion. ICl-swell  plays a role in arrhythmogenesis, myocardial  
injury, preconditioning, and apoptosis of myocytes. As a result, ICl- 
swell potentially is a novel therapeutic target.() This channel is  
inhibited by 9-anthracene carboxylic acid. Its activation causes AP  
shortening;



V) Na+ outward movement through the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger operating in  
reverse mode.

This mechanism exchanges 3 Na+ cations for 1 of Ca2+. The direction  
of the Na+ movement depends on membrane potential and intra and  
extracellular Na+ and Ca2+ concentration. The inflow mediated by this  
current of Na+/Ca2+ exchange can trigger Ca2+ release in the  
sarcoplasmic reticulum system.



CHARACTERISTICS AND ROLE OF THE Ito1 CURRENT  IN VENTRICULAR  
REPOLARIZATION

Not all of the myocardial cells have the Ito1 current and its  
concentration or density depends on the area being studied.

The myocardial cells that have a high density of this channel are  
characterized for presenting a prominent notch in phase 1 of AP,  
showing a profile with a spike-and-dome configuration. Thus, in the  
ventricular myocardium, only the fast Purkinje fibers, the M cells of  
the middle myocardium, and those of the subepicardium have a  
significant notch (regional heterogeneity).

There are marked differences in phases 1 to 3 in ventricular  
myocardium cells AP and contractile cells when we consider thickness.  
Thus, we distinguish three areas besides the Purkinje cells present  
in the cardiac conduction system. This unequal distribution of the  
Ito1 current in ventricular myocardial thickness is responsible for:

1)       Idiopathic J wave, Junctional wave, injury potential, late  
d, Osborn wave, camel-hump sign or hump-like deflection, which could  
possibly be found in the J point region of surface ECG in hypothermia 
(19),  brain lesion(20), over come coma, hypercalcemia(21), massive  
ingestion of cocaine(22), and others. When present in right  
precordial leads V1-V2 or from V1 to V3 in a patient without  
structural heart disease, it is known as Brugada sign. Rarely (8% of  
cases) it has been reported in the athlete as a benign Early  
Repolarization Syndrome (ERS) (23);

2)       Unequal sensitivity to different drugs: acetylcholine,  
isoproterenol, Ca2+ antagonists, Na+ current blockers, K+ current  
openers and amiodarone;

3)       Higher dependency of APD of epicardial cells in relation to  
heart rate changes;

4)       Epicardial cellular AP, more sensitive to K+, and  
consequently, there are changes in the aspect of T wave polarity;

5)       Presence of supernormal phase only in the epicardium and not  
in the endocardium;

6)       The depth of phase 1 Ito1 dependent is more marked in the  
right ventricle (RV) when compared to the left one, which explains  
the higher vulnerability of the RV in arrhythmias triggering in acute  
ischemia conditions(24).

In atrial cells, there are Ito currents that are opened by vagal  
acetylcholine release. These currents are coupled in the  
acetylcholine uptake in the sarcolemma.

BrS is considered an ion channel entity or channelopathy (25).

The main affected channels in the BrS are primarily the fast Na+  
current, and secondarily the initial outward K+ current, and the L- 
type slow or long-lasting calcium channel ICa-L type ICa2+-L. Others  
channels affected with minor importance are Ito2, IK-ATP and IKr.

The presence of a deeply notched AP or with spike-and-dome  
configuration in the epicardium of the RVOT, but not in the  
endocardium, is responsible for the duration of the dome or phase 2  
lasting approximately a 70% less, causing a marked decrease in APD in  
the epicardium in relation to the endocardium in ventricular wall  
thickness of the RVOT. The phenomenon originates a ventricular  
transmural gradient due to the coved type elevation( convex to the  
top) of the J point and the ST segment in the right precordial leads  
V1-V2 or on anteroseptal wall V1 to V3 (Brugada sign), sometimes  
followed by  inverted T wave(26).. The J wave is a deflection with a  
dome that appears on the ECG after the QRS complex. A transmural  
voltage gradient during initial ventricular repolarization, which  
results from the presence of a prominent AP notch mediated by the  
transient outward potassium current or initial outward K+ current in  
epicardium but not endocardium, is responsible for the registration  
of the J wave on the ECG.

Another variety of J point and ST segment elevation that may be  
observed in BrS is a less characteristic one, that of the saddleback  
type, conditioned by just a partial loss of dome, plateau or phase 2  
in the RV epicardium. In it, the degree of dispersion is minimal,  
with a much lower tendency to appearance of PVT/VF (27). The coved- 
type J point and ST segment elevation may rarely be observed in the  
inferior wall leads in absence of hypothermia, ischemia or  
electrolytic disorders in patients without structural heart disease,  
configuring the so-called atypical Brugada pattern or latent type 
(27-28-29-30-31). Certain blockers of the fast Na+ current, such as  
Class IA and IC antiarrhythmic drugs  ajmaline,  procainamide,  
propafenone, flecainide, pilsicadine.  and acetylcholine (vagal  
stimulation) (32), enhance phase 1 notch in RV epicardial cells, with  
a subsequent shortening in dome or phase 2 duration. This fact  
results in a non-homogeneous and more heterogeneous repolarization  
dispersion in the ventricular myocardial thickness, between the  
subendocardium and the subepicardium, fostering the substrate for  
developing reentry in phase 2, a mechanism responsible for IPVT/IVF  
in BrS. When the outward current shift is marked, premature  
repolarization occur in epicardial myocardium  and the resulting  
gradient may precipitate P2R.

Flecainide shortens the QT interval of variant 3 of congenital long  
QT syndrome (LQT3), so its oral administration has been proposed to  
treat this variant. Additionally, in these patients it can cause  
"Brugada-like" J point and ST segment elevation(33).

Flecainide may induce ST segment elevation in LQT3 patients, raising  
concerns about the safety of flecainide therapy and demonstrating the  
existence of an intriguing overlap between LQT3 and BrS(34). Low- 
dose, oral flecainide consistently shortened the QTc interval and  
normalized the repolarization T-wave pattern in LQT3 patients with  
SCN5A:DeltaKPQ mutation(35).

A class IB sodium channel blocker, mexiletine, significantly shortens  
QTc, thus preventing the appearance of TdP. Strangely, the drug does  
not shorten long QT in congenital LQTS, which affects the K+ current  
(HERG defect of the K+ current) or variant 2 of LQTS. Mexiletine, is  
most effective in abbreviating QT interval in LQT3, but effectively  
reduces transmural dispersion of repolarization (TDR) and prevents  
the development of Td P in all LQT1, LQT2 and LQT3 models, suggesting  
its potential as an adjunctive therapy in LQT1 and LQT2(36).

The use of drugs that inhibit the Ito1 current or that stimulate Ca2+  
inward movement can decrease the degree of J point and ST segment  
elevation and improve repolarization in this entity . Thus, the Ito1  
blocker with 4-aminopyridine (1 to 2mmol/L) or quinidine (5 micromol/ 
L) increase phase 2 or dome duration and normalize ST segment  
elevation preventing TV/FV(37). Oral quinidine suppress the  
electrical storm and prevented VF episodes in BsS patients(38). Oral  
quinidine reduces phase 1 extent mediated by Ito1, normalizing ST  
segment elevation in right precordial leads or from V1 to V3. IA  
class drugs that block Na+ current and additionally Ito1, such as  
quinidine and disopyramide, improve ECG in BrS, while those of the  
same class, such as procainamide and ajmaline, which block  
exclusively the Na+ current without affecting the Ito1 current,  
worsen ST segment elevation and may trigger fatal tachyarrhythmias in  
BrS(39). Oral quinidine induce ECG normalization in patients with BrS 
(40). Publications report the employment of the drug in malignant  
forms of the entity(41). Associated with adrenergic beta1-agonist and  
the parasympathetic antagonist was used (42).

The presence of mild ischemia and vagotony act sinergically with the  
electrophysiologic substrate of BrS, elevating ST segment and  
triggering PVT/IVF bursts. This observation suggests that the Brugada  
Patients are under a higher risk of SCD in coexistence with ischemia 
(43).

On the contrary, isoproterenol restores phase 2 or dome in the  
epicardium, reducing J point and ST segment elevation. The  
vasodilator cilostazol acts through a similar mechanism: increase ICa 
+2-L, and for this reason may be effective in reducing episodes of  
PVT/VF(44).For this reason, isoproterenol is the drug of choice in ES  
in BrS associated with general anesthesia and cardiopulmonary  
"bypass" diminishing the ST elevation in right precordial leads  
disappearance of the short-coupled premature beats and in removing ES  
crisis of VF(45). This ominous-sounding event consists of the  
incessant appearing of recurring episodes and multiple VF or VT: 20  
or more per day or 4 or more per hour, eventually observed in BrS.



The ECG pattern in BrS can be intermittent and become manifest in  
latent cases due to some IA class (procainamide and ajmaline) and IC  
class (flecainide)  antiarrhythmic agents and by night vagotony(46)

These facts support the hypothesis that J point and ST segment  
elevation and the subsequent triggering of PVT/VF are dependent of a  
prominent Ito current and spike-and-dome morphology in the RV  
epicardium(47).

In early repolarization syndrome (ERS), a normal benign variant,  
found in 1% to 2% of the population, and 13% to 48%(48) in emergency  
rooms in patients with precordial pain, J point and ST segment  
elevation usually presents a concavity higher >/=1mm in limb leads  
and >/=2 in precordial leads, in at least two adjacent leads and with  
notch or slurring of the R terminal portion of the QRS complex,  
followed by T waves of enhanced voltage and concordant polarity in  
the intermediate leads from V2 to V4. The most important differential  
diagnosis of ERS is pericarditis, acute infarction and acute coronary  
syndromes that could be treated mistakenly with fibrinolysis or  
unnecessary angiography(49).  In doubtful cases, besides a careful  
anamnesis, the following must be conducted: echocardiogram, enzyme  
and troponin I dosage(50).

There are evident differences and potent gradients in Ito1 between  
the three cardiac cell types, especially between Epi and Endo cells.  
These differences are among the prominent manifestations of right  
ventricular electrical heterogeneity, and may form an important ionic  
basis and prerequisite for some malignant arrhythmias in the right  
ventricle, including those arising from BrS and other diseases(51).  
ERS can be confused as well, with ventricular aneurysm.  ERS is very  
frequent in athletes, in whom it is observed in more than 80% of the  
cases. Rarely (8%), it can present a configuration that reminds the  
Brugada sign or is Brugada-like. In such cases, the following are  
elements in favor of ERS (modified from Bianco.) (23).

1)       Family history: negative in ERS and frequently positive for  
SCD in BrS;

2)       HR: tendency to bradycardia in ERS. In BrS, heart rate is  
usually normal;

3)       SAQRS: in ERS it tends to be vertical, and in BrSe in a 9%  
of cases it presents an extreme deviation to the left;

4)       PR interval: tendency to be short or normal and mildly  
depressed in ERS. In BrS, it is long and in a 50% of cases (first- 
degree AV block) by increase of HV;

5)       QRS duration: larger in BrS (110msec +/-2msec) than in  
athletes carriers of ERS (90msec+/-1msec)

6)       Transition area in precordial leads: it is usually abrupt in  
ERS by counterclockwise rotation in longitudinal axis. This is not  
observed in BrS;

7)       Degree of ST segment elevation: much larger in BrS (4.4 
+/-0.7mm) than in athletes (2.3+/-0.6mm) or non-athletes (1.2 
+/-0.8mm) carriers of ERS;

8)       Race: it predominates in the black race in ERS. In BrS, in  
the yellow race.

9)       U wave: it is usually very visible in V3 due to bradycardia  
in ERS. It is not frequent in BrS.

Coincidences between BrS and benign ERS:

1)       Exercise can normalize ST segment elevation;

2)       Isoproterenol can normalize ST segment elevation;

3)       More frequent in males;

4)       Predominantly observed in young adults in productive age and  
under 50 years old(54).

5)       Both can have ST segment elevation concave to the top,  
saddleback type, and frequently persistent;

The Ito current has a decisive role in the aspect of the early  
repolarization phase. Additionally, it influences on inward and  
outward movement of other ions in the next phase (phase 2) and in AP  
refractoriness.



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All the best

Andrés Ricardo Pérez Riera.

Chief of Electro-Vectocardiology Sector of the Discipline of   
Cardiology, ABC Faculty of Medicine (FMABC), Foundation of ABC  
(FUABC) - Santo André - Sao Paulo - Brazil. Rua Sebastiao Afonso  885  
- Zip Code: 044417-100- Jardim Miriam   S.P Brazil

--
Dr. Sergio Dubner
President of Scientific Committee

Dr. Edgardo Schapachnik
President of Steering Committee



>
> Induction of a type I Brugada pattern during febrile states has  
> been well
> described.
>
> I have also observed a few cases where a Type I Brugada pattern was  
> observed
> during or shortly after a strong vagal episode, such as severe  
> abdominal
> pain , or a vasovagal episode, where the individual recovered quite  
> quickly
> as with a vasovagal syncope, unlike a sudden cardiac arrest  
> situation. The
> ECG subsequently reverted to normal or a Type II or III pattern on a
> separate occasion.
>
> What is the mechanism of these observations and what is the  
> prognosis? If
> EPS is performed, how often is VT/VF inducible?
>
> I would like to hear the opinion of the experts in this field.
>
> Sincerely
>
>
> Dr Ruth Kam
> Consultant Cardiologist and Cardiac Electrophysiologist
> Ruth Kam Heart and Arrhythmia Clinic
> #08-06, Mt Elizabeth Medical Centre
> Singapore 228510
>
> --
> Dr. Sergio Dubner
> President of Scientific Committee
>
> Dr. Edgardo Schapachnik
> President of Steering Committee
>
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Scd-forum mailing list
> Scd-forum at scd-symposium.org
> http://www.grupoakros.com.ar/mailman/listinfo/scd-forum

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